Top things to do this autumn on the Isle of Wight – Jazz, steampunk, beer festivals, walking and more

We may have to say goodbye to summer for another year, but that doesn’t mean an end to trips out, family fun and things to do.

In less than an hour you could be across the water on the stunning Isle of Wight immersing yourself in some of the events planned for the autumn months. This makes it the perfect destination for a weekend away, a mid-week escape, short break, a treat for a special occasion (or a special someone!) or just an overnight and a change of scene.

Here we pick out a few of the highlights to give you an idea of what’s on offer and to whet your appetite.

Why Wightlink?

Wightlink is officially Britian’s best ferry operator – having been voted the winner in the British Travel Awards last year.

And it’s not surprising, with over 160 years’ experience of sailing across the Solent, introducing new visitors to the Isle of Wight and ferrying eagerly returning regulars, these vessels make hundreds of journeys putting customer comfort, safety and service first.

 Highlight in a fact box

Star gazing in September

September is mild on the Isle and with the kids back in the classroom this makes it a perfectly peaceful destination.

Low levels of light pollution give the whole island some of the darkest skies in the UK –one of the best locations is along the South Western Coast along the Military Road.

On a clear night, just wrap up warm, take a blanket to lie on and some food and drink and gaze up to the skies to see a host of constellations revealed.  Top tip: pack a starspotter guide and a compass!

Jazz Festival – September 18-22

Jazz fans won’t want to miss a beat! Taking place at various venues in the town of Newport, and featuring a diverse range of great musicians, including a few household names, its designed to appeal to the serious jazz aficionados and newcomers to the genre.

Highlights include the Nicola Farnon Trio at Newport Methodist Church, the Cameron Rossi Quartet at Mountbatten Hospice, and Nate Najar & Daniela Soledade and the Matt Carter Octet. The festival continues with events like Muse Manouche’s Gypsy Jazz Brunch, Windy City Weatherbirds, and Sass & Brass, culminating in performances by Tom Ford Trio, Shades of Shearing, Barnes & Newton, and The Claire Martin & Jim Mullen Trio.

Check out more great ideas on Wightlink’s blog of things to do in September here.

Steampunk – September 20-22

If you’ve never heard of steampunk then you don’t know what you’ve been missing! Steampunk is where Victorian elegance collides with futuristic innovation – bringing a spectacle for all the senses.

It’s fabulous family entertainment and visitors can expect to see eccentric fashion and machines (all gears, and metal and moving parts and steam), original band performances, and lots of fun with activities like the first Isle of Wight Teapot racing contest and Biscuit Duelling.

And if you book your tickets through Wightlink you can save 20% on foot, car and motorcycle ferry fairs to the island.

Find out more here

Beer and steam – October 12 – 13

Here on the Isle of Wight you can indulge your childhood (and big kid) love of steam railways with a taste of fine ale, when the Autumn beer festival teams up with the Isle of Wight Steam Railway in a perfect partnership.

With plenty of real ales and ciders from a host of producers including the local  Yates’, Goddards, and Island Brewery, there should be something to suit every palate. And the best is that admission to this festival is absolutely free. The bar will be open from 11am – 5pm on both Saturday and Sunday. The regular operating day fares for the Steam Train will apply.

Autumn walking festival – October 5 - 13

Lace up your walking boots and be ready to scrunch through the leaves enjoying those glorious seasonal colours, sights and smells as the lowering sun warms the face.

The Isle of Wight Walking Festival includes dozens of for all ages and abilities. Find out more about the Island’s landscape and rich heritage as you join any of the routes which are all lead by knowledgeable volunteer walk leaders. You’ll easily find a walk that suits you – whether you’re looking for a shorter stroll or a day long hike across the Island.

Many walks are free and once again you can save 20% on your ferry fare throughout the walking festival if you book via the website.

Find out more here

In the woods

The Isle of Wight has beautiful beaches and glorious countryside, with places designated as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. But its woodlands come into their own in autumn as trees turn from green to gold and warm sunlight comes through the canopy.

Parkhurst Forest and Brighstone Forest are two particularly good spots to see the autumn leaves, and with trails winding through the whole forest you can easily while away a couple of hours. You might even want to try a spot of forest bathing while you’re there to relax and help your body to be calm and restored.

Find out more about things to do on the IOW in October here.

To book your ferry or find out more visit the Wightlink website here